In the last hours of 2009, I'm reviewing a few of our recent activities. We had a Reflection with Dr. Kurt Johnson on November 28th, and then partied our way through the holidays with a program on Holiday Music December 12th, hosted by Michael and Antoinette. We played Hanukah and Christmas songs and talked about what particular songs mean to us.
On Dec. 27th, Michael and Antoinette hosted another holiday party, and Adriana as our Gypsy Lady read her tarot cards as a fundraiser for BHC.
Tomorrow we're starting 2010 with a brunch at Three Star Diner, and hoping for an excellent New Year with our BHC friends!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Reflection with Dr. Kurt Johnson
We had a great Reflection with Dr. Kurt Johnson this past Saturday night. Maureen hosted and we had our usual delicious potluck. Extra special mention goes to Adriana for her delicious tortilla pie!
We read quotes from "The Power of Now" and then discussed things we love, things that make us feel alive.
Mostly, I felt a profound sense of peace and a departure from the worries of everyday life. I enjoyed hearing Adriana's love for planting trees that will outlive her, and Sheila's love of making a child feel welcomed and happy during a tutoring session. Positive energy flows through these Reflections and we are fortunate indeed to have Kurt's wellspring of wisdom drawn from a variety of traditions, to think about.
We read quotes from "The Power of Now" and then discussed things we love, things that make us feel alive.
Mostly, I felt a profound sense of peace and a departure from the worries of everyday life. I enjoyed hearing Adriana's love for planting trees that will outlive her, and Sheila's love of making a child feel welcomed and happy during a tutoring session. Positive energy flows through these Reflections and we are fortunate indeed to have Kurt's wellspring of wisdom drawn from a variety of traditions, to think about.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Book Club Discussion: The Kite Runner
The BHC Book Discussion group held another exciting meeting on Sunday, October 18th. Our topic this time was The Kite Runner: can this man be redeemed?
We discussed the book in its political and economic context. The rigid class system and the political turbulence that affected the characters' lives were very obvious. Sheila asked us to ponder what events in our lives or our parents' lives affected us. Several people cited World War II as a major factor in either their own or their parents' lives. I mentioned the Vietnam War and JFK's assassination as having shaped my views and many of my actions throughout my life.
I felt Amir could be redeemed, that he was doing his best at the end of the book to make a good life for Hassan's son. The wrong that he did, really, was an act of cowardice compounded by a lie. But it was the act of a frightened and guilty 12 year old boy. Even though the consequences were terrible, I didn't feel it was right to judge him as if he were an adult.
I'm looking forward to our next meeting on November 15th, to discuss "This I Believe."
We discussed the book in its political and economic context. The rigid class system and the political turbulence that affected the characters' lives were very obvious. Sheila asked us to ponder what events in our lives or our parents' lives affected us. Several people cited World War II as a major factor in either their own or their parents' lives. I mentioned the Vietnam War and JFK's assassination as having shaped my views and many of my actions throughout my life.
I felt Amir could be redeemed, that he was doing his best at the end of the book to make a good life for Hassan's son. The wrong that he did, really, was an act of cowardice compounded by a lie. But it was the act of a frightened and guilty 12 year old boy. Even though the consequences were terrible, I didn't feel it was right to judge him as if he were an adult.
I'm looking forward to our next meeting on November 15th, to discuss "This I Believe."
Transformative Leadership with David Mensah
Those of us who attended yesterday's program with David Mensah got a unique treat.
David had us sit in a semicircle, conducting a much more interactive program than he might have if we'd filled the room to SRO. We heard his insights on leadership and what stops people from becoming the leaders they are meant to be, as well as how to get out of our own way and put the internal conversations that hold us back aside.
He addressed individual questions and shared his own personal history and experiences that have led him to writing this book on transformative leadership, Who I Am is Leader. The book will be completed at the end of October so we might be able to find it in bookstores by the holiday season, or so I hope! I'm recommending his book for the book club as soon as it is available.
It's hard to convey in words how inspiring, insightful and entertaining David's talk was. David's business in leadership training and consulting has been thriving and he's booked up 2 years in advance. He donated a very valuable hour and a half of his time!
David had us sit in a semicircle, conducting a much more interactive program than he might have if we'd filled the room to SRO. We heard his insights on leadership and what stops people from becoming the leaders they are meant to be, as well as how to get out of our own way and put the internal conversations that hold us back aside.
He addressed individual questions and shared his own personal history and experiences that have led him to writing this book on transformative leadership, Who I Am is Leader. The book will be completed at the end of October so we might be able to find it in bookstores by the holiday season, or so I hope! I'm recommending his book for the book club as soon as it is available.
It's hard to convey in words how inspiring, insightful and entertaining David's talk was. David's business in leadership training and consulting has been thriving and he's booked up 2 years in advance. He donated a very valuable hour and a half of his time!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
September Reflection
Last night several of us assembled at Ruth S.'s for a Reflection on "Forgiveness," led by Remi. We read quotes on the topic from several major religious traditions and also an analysis of forgiveness.
The discussion was quite interesting. Some of us have encountered situations where it is hard to forgive. There's clearly a distinction between "forgiving" and "forgetting," and even if we do forgive we agreed that we have a right to protect ourselves by leaving a hurtful relationship.
Some of us have also been on the other side of the forgiveness issue, having done something another person finds it hard to forgive us for. That's also an uncomfortable spot to be in.
This was a thoughtful and insightful evening, and many thanks to Remi for leading the discussion. Thanks also to Ruth S. for hosting!
The discussion was quite interesting. Some of us have encountered situations where it is hard to forgive. There's clearly a distinction between "forgiving" and "forgetting," and even if we do forgive we agreed that we have a right to protect ourselves by leaving a hurtful relationship.
Some of us have also been on the other side of the forgiveness issue, having done something another person finds it hard to forgive us for. That's also an uncomfortable spot to be in.
This was a thoughtful and insightful evening, and many thanks to Remi for leading the discussion. Thanks also to Ruth S. for hosting!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
"Odd Man Out"
On Friday evening, September 11th, several BHC members met at the Film Forum in Greenwich Village for a screening of the 1947 film, "Odd Man Out." This was a recently restored version of Carol Reed's film, starring James Mason, Robert Newton and Kathleen Ryan. It was stunning on a big screen, stark black and white, with a beautiful soundtrack.
Afterwards, we stopped at a small eatery that featured paninis, espresso, and Italian desserts. Our discussion of the film centered around the way various people reacted to Mason's character, Johnny McQueen. Johnny was the chief of the local branch of the IRA (though it was never stated in the movie, it was obvious that this was the "organization" everyone spoke of). When he was wounded and left behind by his mates in a robbery intended to raise funds for the cause, he encountered many people who recognized him and reacted to him in a variety of ways. Most, sadly, were out for what they could get from him rather than willing to help him as a fellow human being.
The fact that he had killed a man during the robbery put him over a line, as the priest says. But the killing was accidental, and in fact Johnny is troubled and afraid that he has killed. No one takes this into account. Instead, some try to turn him in, others want to use him for the reward, for heavenly brownie points, or for "art."
The discussion was fascinating and the company was excellent. This was our second "BHC Movie Night" and we're hoping for many more.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
2nd Anniversary Celebration
On August 23rd we held our second anniversary celebration at Taze, a Turkish restaurant in Brooklyn Heights. The food was delicious and we had an excellent turnout, 23 of us!
Our President, Tony, said a few words to honor Dr. Kurt Johnson, who has gifted us with his thought-provoking Reflections on a monthly basis.
We're heading into a third year that should see us become a full fledged 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are attracting guest speakers of stature. We're also beginning to reach out to other organizations and partner with them to produce joint programs.
Onward!
Our President, Tony, said a few words to honor Dr. Kurt Johnson, who has gifted us with his thought-provoking Reflections on a monthly basis.
We're heading into a third year that should see us become a full fledged 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are attracting guest speakers of stature. We're also beginning to reach out to other organizations and partner with them to produce joint programs.
Onward!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Book Club, "Born on a Blue Day"
Last Sunday the BHC Book Club met to discuss Daniel Tammett's Born on a Blue Day. It was an interesting tale of a young man with Asperger's Syndrome, a mild form of autism, and his journey. He was fascinating in that he is also a savant who can do incredibly complex math problems in his head, and he also has synethesia, an overlapping of the senses. He sees numbers in colors and shapes, and Wednesdays, the day he was born, are "blue" in his mind.
It was a triumph for him that he was able to travel to other countries all by himself (his amazing facility with language contributed to that) and also that he was able to find himself a lifelong partner.
We discussed autism and the forms it takes. Sheila used her nephew as an example but others among us have known autistic children and young adults so we were able to contribute to the discussion as well. We also talked about the stigma against autism, mental illness, etc. and whether we would be willing to hire a young man like Daniel. I said, because he does not understand human emotions all that well, I would not assign him to deal with people but I would be happy to hire him to a position where his facility with numbers would be valuable.
As always it was an excellent discussion. Kudos to Sheila!
It was a triumph for him that he was able to travel to other countries all by himself (his amazing facility with language contributed to that) and also that he was able to find himself a lifelong partner.
We discussed autism and the forms it takes. Sheila used her nephew as an example but others among us have known autistic children and young adults so we were able to contribute to the discussion as well. We also talked about the stigma against autism, mental illness, etc. and whether we would be willing to hire a young man like Daniel. I said, because he does not understand human emotions all that well, I would not assign him to deal with people but I would be happy to hire him to a position where his facility with numbers would be valuable.
As always it was an excellent discussion. Kudos to Sheila!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Digital Reflection with Lois Kellerman
Last Saturday night ten of us gathered at Michael and Antoinette's for a potluck dinner and a Reflection by Skype, with Ethical Culture Leader Lois Kellerman. Lois was Leader of the Queens Society for Ethical Culture and then the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture, departing from that position in 1998 to move to California with her husband.
We had some technical glitches as this was our first time using Skype, but while we were able to see Lois "live" for a few minutes, she was able to see us throughout the Reflection. Our topic was "Preserving Relationships in Difficult Times."
Lois had an excellent, illustrated brochure with many suggestions for doing this, but what touched me the most was her description of some of the hardships she has faced and managed to come through, as well as other people's stories. One person described the death of a difficult and demanding relative who became a courageous and graceful voyager into the unknown territory at the end of life.
Others described different situations that caused great stress in their families and relationships, but we were able to hold them together. While Lois's suggestions were not necessarily news to us, it is valuable to re-emphasize them when faced with problems that seem insurmountable. These are the times we need our loved ones and support systems the most, and it's vitally important to hold onto them rather than isolate ourselves and push others away.
Many thanks to Lois for speaking to us, to Michael for handling the technical side on our end, and to Michael and Antoinette both for once again hosting a BHC program this month. Our next event is tonight, a Meditation with Remi, at the home of Bruce, Celeste and Jason.
We had some technical glitches as this was our first time using Skype, but while we were able to see Lois "live" for a few minutes, she was able to see us throughout the Reflection. Our topic was "Preserving Relationships in Difficult Times."
Lois had an excellent, illustrated brochure with many suggestions for doing this, but what touched me the most was her description of some of the hardships she has faced and managed to come through, as well as other people's stories. One person described the death of a difficult and demanding relative who became a courageous and graceful voyager into the unknown territory at the end of life.
Others described different situations that caused great stress in their families and relationships, but we were able to hold them together. While Lois's suggestions were not necessarily news to us, it is valuable to re-emphasize them when faced with problems that seem insurmountable. These are the times we need our loved ones and support systems the most, and it's vitally important to hold onto them rather than isolate ourselves and push others away.
Many thanks to Lois for speaking to us, to Michael for handling the technical side on our end, and to Michael and Antoinette both for once again hosting a BHC program this month. Our next event is tonight, a Meditation with Remi, at the home of Bruce, Celeste and Jason.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Book Club: "The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit"
We gathered at Sheila's on Sunday afternoon to discuss The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit. It's a memoir about a family of Egyptian Jews who were forced out of Cairo in the early sixties, emigrated to Paris and then to America. The central character is the father, Leon, who is the "man in the white sharkskin suit." Lucette, his younger daughter and the author, had a close and loving relationship with him but she is forthright about his faults and foibles as well as his virtues.
We spoke about the immigrant experience and whether our parents or grandparents were happy or sad to have come to America. I realized that I never knew the exact reason my grandparents came here. In my paternal grandparents' case I assumed there was some persecution, but my maternal grandfather was wealthy in Greece and was raised like an aristocrat. I was not sure what motivated him to come to America.
Sheila always leads a fascinating discussion fueled by her insightful questions. Kudos to her! Our next book will be Born on a Blue Day.
We spoke about the immigrant experience and whether our parents or grandparents were happy or sad to have come to America. I realized that I never knew the exact reason my grandparents came here. In my paternal grandparents' case I assumed there was some persecution, but my maternal grandfather was wealthy in Greece and was raised like an aristocrat. I was not sure what motivated him to come to America.
Sheila always leads a fascinating discussion fueled by her insightful questions. Kudos to her! Our next book will be Born on a Blue Day.
June 11th Party
Once again, the Brooklyn Humanist Community had a great summer party. We missed the Fourth this year but celebrated in between July 4th and Bastille Day on July 14th.
Coincidentally, Jean brought a copy of the words to the tune that became "The Star Spangled Banner." It was a very old drinking song, with mythological allusions. I found it pretty much incomprehensible but it must have amused 18th century gentlemen as they imbibed. Speaking of songs, Sheila wants the BHC to have its own theme song. If we can decide on an appropriate prize, we may turn this into a contest.
The food was delicious: hot dogs, barbecued drumsticks, two kinds of potato salad, a lovely garden salad and much more. Bonnie brought us raspberries, cherries and grapes, and Julie celebrated her birthday by bringing a delicious carrot cake.
Many thanks to Michael and Antoinette for their hosting. A good time was had by all!
Coincidentally, Jean brought a copy of the words to the tune that became "The Star Spangled Banner." It was a very old drinking song, with mythological allusions. I found it pretty much incomprehensible but it must have amused 18th century gentlemen as they imbibed. Speaking of songs, Sheila wants the BHC to have its own theme song. If we can decide on an appropriate prize, we may turn this into a contest.
The food was delicious: hot dogs, barbecued drumsticks, two kinds of potato salad, a lovely garden salad and much more. Bonnie brought us raspberries, cherries and grapes, and Julie celebrated her birthday by bringing a delicious carrot cake.
Many thanks to Michael and Antoinette for their hosting. A good time was had by all!
Friday, July 10, 2009
July Calendar
Here's our July Calendar, so far:
Saturday, July 11th: Belated July 4th Barbecue, at Michael and Antoinette's. We'll celebrate a holiday of our own making, "Humanist Day," and enjoy potluck dishes and delicious charred meats off the grill. 3 to 7 PM*
Tuesday, July 14th, 7:30 PM: BHC Board Meeting, at Michael and Antoinette's. All BHC members are welcome but you must RSVP. Again, the main focus will be the budget.
Sunday, July 19th, 1:30 PM: The BHC Book Discussion Club will discuss The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit. RSVP to Sheila if you wish to attend.
Tuesday, July 21st, 7 PM: Program Committee meeting at the home of Bruce, Celeste & Jason. All members interested in planning and producing monthly programs are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to Celeste.
Saturday, July 25th, 6 PM: BHC Monthly Reflection, preceded by a potluck meal, at Antoinette and Michael's. This month our Reflection will be offered by Lois Kellerman, an Ethical Culture Leader, and will take place by Skype as Lois is in California. This is our first foray into a digital event. RSVP to Antoinette to attend.
Major thanks to Antoinette and Michael for hosting three of our events this month!
* World Humanist Day actually falls on June 21st.
Saturday, July 11th: Belated July 4th Barbecue, at Michael and Antoinette's. We'll celebrate a holiday of our own making, "Humanist Day," and enjoy potluck dishes and delicious charred meats off the grill. 3 to 7 PM*
Tuesday, July 14th, 7:30 PM: BHC Board Meeting, at Michael and Antoinette's. All BHC members are welcome but you must RSVP. Again, the main focus will be the budget.
Sunday, July 19th, 1:30 PM: The BHC Book Discussion Club will discuss The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit. RSVP to Sheila if you wish to attend.
Tuesday, July 21st, 7 PM: Program Committee meeting at the home of Bruce, Celeste & Jason. All members interested in planning and producing monthly programs are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to Celeste.
Saturday, July 25th, 6 PM: BHC Monthly Reflection, preceded by a potluck meal, at Antoinette and Michael's. This month our Reflection will be offered by Lois Kellerman, an Ethical Culture Leader, and will take place by Skype as Lois is in California. This is our first foray into a digital event. RSVP to Antoinette to attend.
Major thanks to Antoinette and Michael for hosting three of our events this month!
* World Humanist Day actually falls on June 21st.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Reflection on Spirituality of Atheism
Last Saturday night the Brooklyn Humanist Community assembled for a Reflection led by our President, Tony, on the topic, "The Little Book of Atheist Spirituality." This was a lively discussion that lasted for over 2.5 hours. Tony brought in several pages of quotes from the book, and we read a section at a time and then stopped to discuss it. We talked about atheism, agnosticism, deism and theism, belief or disbelief in a power greater than ourselves, and whether or not there is an afterlife. It was a great Reflection and we were able to share differing views without anyone feeling threatened. That is the beauty of a humanist organization!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Flag Day Program with Curtis Gans
Twenty-six people attended our Flag Day program with Curtis Gans, on "American Democracy: Problems Beneath the Surface." Mr. Gans is the recognized expert and go-to person for information on voter participation and election issues in the U.S. He's been quoted in countless magazines and newspapers, he's frequently interviewed on radio and TV, he's spoken on over 200 college campuses and has testified before Congress on a variety of voting issues.
Mr. Gans gave us an unsettling picture of voting participation in the United States. It's far below that of many other countries. Despite higher voter participation in the past two Presidential elections, voters did not bother to vote in many of the other races in 2004 and 2008, primaries held separately from the presidential primaries.
Studies in past decades showed a correlation between increased voting and higher levels of education, earnings, etc. But even though there are more college educated people today than in the 1960's, voter participation is down. In fact, it is down despite improvements in all the factors mentioned in the study, with the exception of marriage. Married people tend to vote, but, as Mr. Gans joked, that's not a primary reason to encourage people to marry!
Mr. Gans painted a disturbing picture. Young people tend not to vote: it's mainly older people who vote. So, we're heading into a generation that is voluntarily disenfranchised. We don't vote because we don't trust politicians: Gans reeled off a string of politicians' most memorable lies.
Not voting, moreover, does not indicate contentment with the status quo. Studies show that the outcomes of elections might have been different if all the nonvoters had participated. (I'm kind of happy that they didn't elect Ross Perot, but still...). It's the undereducated, poorer segments of the population whose voices go unheard.
After speaking for nearly an hour, Mr. Gans fielded questions from the audience for another half hour. We're very grateful that he was willing to come to NYC and offer us the benefit of his insight into the voting habits of Americans and the electoral process.
This was our first time renting the UU church in Brooklyn Heights. It's a beautiful venue and it felt wonderful to be in that setting. Yes, an organ lesson upstairs sent some churchy music down to us, but fortunately we did have a microphone, so Mr. Gans' talk was audible over the organ.
It was also great to see some new faces. One couple was visiting Brooklyn from Arkansas and gave us some fascinating information about the humanist movement there. We hope to see the local folks again at our future meetings.
Mr. Gans gave us an unsettling picture of voting participation in the United States. It's far below that of many other countries. Despite higher voter participation in the past two Presidential elections, voters did not bother to vote in many of the other races in 2004 and 2008, primaries held separately from the presidential primaries.
Studies in past decades showed a correlation between increased voting and higher levels of education, earnings, etc. But even though there are more college educated people today than in the 1960's, voter participation is down. In fact, it is down despite improvements in all the factors mentioned in the study, with the exception of marriage. Married people tend to vote, but, as Mr. Gans joked, that's not a primary reason to encourage people to marry!
Mr. Gans painted a disturbing picture. Young people tend not to vote: it's mainly older people who vote. So, we're heading into a generation that is voluntarily disenfranchised. We don't vote because we don't trust politicians: Gans reeled off a string of politicians' most memorable lies.
Not voting, moreover, does not indicate contentment with the status quo. Studies show that the outcomes of elections might have been different if all the nonvoters had participated. (I'm kind of happy that they didn't elect Ross Perot, but still...). It's the undereducated, poorer segments of the population whose voices go unheard.
After speaking for nearly an hour, Mr. Gans fielded questions from the audience for another half hour. We're very grateful that he was willing to come to NYC and offer us the benefit of his insight into the voting habits of Americans and the electoral process.
This was our first time renting the UU church in Brooklyn Heights. It's a beautiful venue and it felt wonderful to be in that setting. Yes, an organ lesson upstairs sent some churchy music down to us, but fortunately we did have a microphone, so Mr. Gans' talk was audible over the organ.
It was also great to see some new faces. One couple was visiting Brooklyn from Arkansas and gave us some fascinating information about the humanist movement there. We hope to see the local folks again at our future meetings.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
June 2009 Schedule
Here's the BHC June Schedule, thus far:
Sunday, June 14th, 2:30 PM: Come hear America's leading expert on voter participation and elections speak on, "American Democracy: Problems Beneath the Surface." Curtis Gans will speak to the BHC and friends at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Brooklyn, 50 Monroe Place in Brooklyn Heights. Please invite your friends!
June Reflection: Date and Place TBA
Tuesday, June 16th, 7:30 PM: BHC Board Meeting, at Tony & Melanie's. All are welcome. Our main working topic will be the budget.
Tuesday, June 23rd, 7 PM: BHC Program Committee meeting, at Tony & Melanie's. Please RSVP. We'll be making summer and fall plans.
Sunday, June 28th: BHC Book Club will take a field trip to see, "My Sister's Keeper," a new film based on Jodi Picoult's book by the same name. The Book Club discussed this book some months ago. Time and movie theater TBA.
Looking Ahead: July 4th Potluck BBQ: Time and Place TBA
Sunday, June 14th, 2:30 PM: Come hear America's leading expert on voter participation and elections speak on, "American Democracy: Problems Beneath the Surface." Curtis Gans will speak to the BHC and friends at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Brooklyn, 50 Monroe Place in Brooklyn Heights. Please invite your friends!
June Reflection: Date and Place TBA
Tuesday, June 16th, 7:30 PM: BHC Board Meeting, at Tony & Melanie's. All are welcome. Our main working topic will be the budget.
Tuesday, June 23rd, 7 PM: BHC Program Committee meeting, at Tony & Melanie's. Please RSVP. We'll be making summer and fall plans.
Sunday, June 28th: BHC Book Club will take a field trip to see, "My Sister's Keeper," a new film based on Jodi Picoult's book by the same name. The Book Club discussed this book some months ago. Time and movie theater TBA.
Looking Ahead: July 4th Potluck BBQ: Time and Place TBA
Nature and Spring Babies
On Saturday, May 30th, the Brooklyn Humanist Community held an afternoon Colloquy on Nature followed by a party for our Spring Babies.
The Nature discussion took place outside, and we basked in the warm breezes as we spoke about nature, humanity's role in it, and nature's good and bad side. Thanks to Constance for organizing this.
The party was fun and there was plenty to eat: turkey burgers, hot dogs, baby back ribs, chicken, pasta, deviled eggs, potato salad, curried cauliflower, and a shrimp cocktail. We had apple pie and pound cake for dessert.
The grab bag meant gifts for everybody. That's how we celebrate: everyone gets a small gift.
On to our next event!
The Nature discussion took place outside, and we basked in the warm breezes as we spoke about nature, humanity's role in it, and nature's good and bad side. Thanks to Constance for organizing this.
The party was fun and there was plenty to eat: turkey burgers, hot dogs, baby back ribs, chicken, pasta, deviled eggs, potato salad, curried cauliflower, and a shrimp cocktail. We had apple pie and pound cake for dessert.
The grab bag meant gifts for everybody. That's how we celebrate: everyone gets a small gift.
On to our next event!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Brooklyn Humanist Community, Inc.
That is our new, official name! We are now incorporated as a nonprofit organization in the state of New York, thanks to hours of hard work on the part of the Board. Kudos to Tony, Bruce, Celeste, Adriana and Michael for getting this done, and many thanks to Malene Duncan of Wilmer Hale for her pro bono legal assistance.
Our next step will be to draw up bylaws and a conflict of interest policy. Ms. Duncan has provided templates and is working closely with Celeste on the questions and suggestions of the Bylaws Task Force, Tony, Celeste, Ruth S., Antoinette and Remi. Then we'll be able to fill out the IRS forms and get our 501(c)(3) federal tax exempt status.
Thanks to the Board and the Bylaws Task Force for all their hard and ongoing work!
Our next step will be to draw up bylaws and a conflict of interest policy. Ms. Duncan has provided templates and is working closely with Celeste on the questions and suggestions of the Bylaws Task Force, Tony, Celeste, Ruth S., Antoinette and Remi. Then we'll be able to fill out the IRS forms and get our 501(c)(3) federal tax exempt status.
Thanks to the Board and the Bylaws Task Force for all their hard and ongoing work!
Cool Beans
We've been collecting nonperishables for several months now, as suggested by Sheila. Last week, Tony and Melanie delivered the items collected over to CHIPS, a food pantry in Park Slope, where our contribution was gratefully accepted. People are going hungry in the summer as well as during the winter holiday season when everyone thinks about giving to the soup kitchens. In fact, people are going hungry at a much higher rate now. Last year food insecurity hit 56% of NYC families with children, a large jump from the previous year, as reported by the New York City Food Bank.
So keep those nonperishables coming! We're doing a great job!
So keep those nonperishables coming! We're doing a great job!
May Reflection
This past Saturday night, Maureen hosted a Reflection by Dr. Kurt Johnson on "The Wisdom of Joseph Campbell." We enjoyed a delicious potluck meal with turkey meatballs and couscous, bean and pasta dishes, a remarkable tuna and pasta salad, and of course lots of desserts.
I had always heard the saying, "Follow your bliss," but hadn't connected it to Joseph Campbell. As we went through his writings, many touched us as relevant today, others seemed mired in the sixties anti-establishment consciousness. Several people objected to his statement that the person who takes a job for the money has made himself a slave. Particularly in this teetering economy, that just did not ring true!
I enjoyed Campbell's longer quote about following one's bliss, where he says that doors will open where before we saw only walls, and that people will appear in our lives to help us achieve that bliss. I do believe in that kind of synchronicity.
Sheila contributed a cake in honor of Jason's completing his first year of college, and even supplied us with party hats to celebrate! This was a touching and proud moment for Jason, Bruce and me.
Thanks to Kurt, Constance, Maureen and Sheila!
I had always heard the saying, "Follow your bliss," but hadn't connected it to Joseph Campbell. As we went through his writings, many touched us as relevant today, others seemed mired in the sixties anti-establishment consciousness. Several people objected to his statement that the person who takes a job for the money has made himself a slave. Particularly in this teetering economy, that just did not ring true!
I enjoyed Campbell's longer quote about following one's bliss, where he says that doors will open where before we saw only walls, and that people will appear in our lives to help us achieve that bliss. I do believe in that kind of synchronicity.
Sheila contributed a cake in honor of Jason's completing his first year of college, and even supplied us with party hats to celebrate! This was a touching and proud moment for Jason, Bruce and me.
Thanks to Kurt, Constance, Maureen and Sheila!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Yard Sale
On Saturday, April 25th, BHC members gathered at Tony and Melanie's for a yard sale fundraising event. We had lots of stuff, enough to put on several more yard sales throughout the summer.
The weather was beautiful: sunny and in the low 80's. It was comfortable enough to sit outside in tee shirts while we sold our items.
In all, we raised a net $123.58. Many thanks to Tony and Melanie for letting us use their front yard and for supplying coffee and doughnuts. Also thanks to Jason and Lucas, who handed out flyers advertising the sale, and salespeople Annette, Claudia, Ruth P., Ruth K., Dorothy, Bruce and Celeste. It was a fun day and we moved a lot of items. Thanks to everyone who participated and also to those who contributed items to the sale.
The weather was beautiful: sunny and in the low 80's. It was comfortable enough to sit outside in tee shirts while we sold our items.
In all, we raised a net $123.58. Many thanks to Tony and Melanie for letting us use their front yard and for supplying coffee and doughnuts. Also thanks to Jason and Lucas, who handed out flyers advertising the sale, and salespeople Annette, Claudia, Ruth P., Ruth K., Dorothy, Bruce and Celeste. It was a fun day and we moved a lot of items. Thanks to everyone who participated and also to those who contributed items to the sale.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
April Reflection: Six Word Biography
Last night Dr. Kurt Johnson led us in a different type of Reflection. Instead of reflecting on someone's writings or philosophy, we brought our own "six word memoirs" and then explained why we chose those particular six words. Many of these memoirs were quite emotional and evoked strong feelings in the listeners. Afterwards I think we knew quite a bit more about each other than when we entered the room.
As part of the closing exercises, we discussed whether it was difficult or easy to find just six words to sum up our lives so far, and what extra words we would add, if any. Then we used three to six words to describe our futures. Mine were: health, continued love, success, and laughter. Roger said, "You want everything!" and I grinned and said, "Why not?"
We also watched the TV episode where Susan Boyle wowed the crowd with her song. Afterwards we discussed society's tendency to pigeonhole people according to their appearance, and the assumption that an "unattractive" woman couldn't possibly be a fantastic singer. This site has had over 7 million viewings now, and shows that people may be tired of this kind of superficial judgment. Maybe we're ready for looking beyond the surface.
Kudos to Maureen for hosting, to Kurt as always for leading the Reflection, and to Constance for assisting and contributing the "Six Word" idea.
As part of the closing exercises, we discussed whether it was difficult or easy to find just six words to sum up our lives so far, and what extra words we would add, if any. Then we used three to six words to describe our futures. Mine were: health, continued love, success, and laughter. Roger said, "You want everything!" and I grinned and said, "Why not?"
We also watched the TV episode where Susan Boyle wowed the crowd with her song. Afterwards we discussed society's tendency to pigeonhole people according to their appearance, and the assumption that an "unattractive" woman couldn't possibly be a fantastic singer. This site has had over 7 million viewings now, and shows that people may be tired of this kind of superficial judgment. Maybe we're ready for looking beyond the surface.
Kudos to Maureen for hosting, to Kurt as always for leading the Reflection, and to Constance for assisting and contributing the "Six Word" idea.
Second Annual Seder
On Friday, April 10th, the Brooklyn Humanist Community gathered at Michael and Antoinette's home for our second annual Humanist Seder. As always there was plenty of delicious food: pot roast, chicken, vegetables, salad, homemade gefilte fish, just to name a few of the items. We also had a huge variety of desserts.
With twenty-three of us in attendance, the house was just about bursting at the seams. Celeste and Bruce "led" the Seder but everyone had a chance to read several paragraphs. We used the same text as last year but added a couple of songs supplied by Julie. This year, when we mentioned our "heroes," I heard the names of many departed family members. So it was a Seder of love and remembrance, also.
Along with the dessert of cakes and macaroons, Michael and Antoinette supplied an American flag sheet cake in honor of their son Jonathan, who departs for the Navy on April 20th. We sang "Anchors Away," and "God Bless America."
Kudos to Michael and Antoinette who always do an excellent job of hosting a party, and kudos to Jason who was an enormous help, serving food and drink to everyone.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
BHC March Program: Sex Trafficking
On Sunday, March 29th, members of the Brooklyn Humanist Community assembled at Michael and Antoinette's household to hear Rachelle Suissa, Vice President of Brooklyn/Queens NOW, speak on "Sex Trafficking of Women and Children." Ms. Suissa filled us in on the enormity of the problem and the legislation that has been passed on various levels to combat this crime. Many of the young women who are brought into the U.S. on false promises and then forced into prostitution are minors according to our laws, so sex trafficking in women is very often sex trafficking in children as well.
Ms. Suissa explained that it is very hard to catch the sex traffickers, who are well organized and able to vanish at short notice. Instead, it is often the victims of sex trafficking who end up being arrested for prostitution. Many are in the U.S. without proper documentation, and face possible deportation. Often these young women and girls do not speak English, and have not been paid, so that they lack even the resources to go home.
Despite the legislation that has been passed, in New York only $450,000 has been allocated to deal with this problem. Ms. Suissa pointed out the New York City spends more than that just cleaning up after a heavy snowfall. Between insufficient funding and unfortunately, some police corruption, it is very difficult to eradicate sex trafficking, but we can continue to press for better legislation and more funding to deal with this problem.
We discussed the possibility of a joint program on the topic with Brooklyn/Queens NOW, possibly a film screening on the subject in order to raise public awareness.
Our thanks to Antoinette and Michael for hosting this event, to Constance for inviting the speaker and providing her with transportation, and most especially to Rachelle Suissa for her excellent presentation of a thorny and heartbreaking issue.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
March Reflection: Desmond Tutu
On Saturday night, March 21st, we gathered at Rozanne, Michael and Shaina's for our March Reflection. The topic this time centered on the quotes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. As always we enjoyed the food, and Rozanne's special touch made it out of this world. Her beet salad, carrot salad, homemade hummus, rosemary chicken, yogurt dip and especially the secret recipe wine cake were fabulous. Michael acted as our bartender serving wine and soda, and Shaina greeted guests and took their coats.
In the opening go-around, Rozanne shared that through the BHC she has begun visiting hospice patients at the Visiting Nurse Service Hospice, and that she finds the work enormously satisfying. I also reported that while I was not medically cleared to visit patients, I asked to work with veterans, and the volunteer coordinator has assigned a World War II veteran to me, for periodic telephone calls.
Constance provided the quotes and gave us a short biography of Desmond Tutu. We circled the room reading his quotes aloud, and then gave our resonances and reflections on the ones that spoke to us. I mentioned that a professor in college had said something rather similar to Tutu's statement about neutrality as an inappropriate response where there is injustice and a grave imbalance of power. Antoinette pointed out Archbishop Tutu's statement that everyone is entitled to a stable community and that the first of these communities is the family. Many of us contributed our thoughts to the reflective conversation, and Kurt provided us with his insights into Integral Spirituality.
As we decided at the recent membership meeting, people brought nonperishables to be donated to a local food pantry.
It was a delightful evening. Kudos to Rozanne, Michael and Shaina for their hospitality, and our thanks as well to Constance and Kurt for running another excellent Reflection.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Book Club Discussion: Not Me
At Sheila's this afternoon we discussed the novel Not Me by Michael Lavigne. The major question was whether Heinrich/Heschel, the S.S. bookkeeper who changed his identity to that of a Jew who died in the camps, deserved redemption.
I gave him partial redemption because even though his hatred was pretty ugly, I believed that at some point he felt remorse. I felt that his philanthropy went beyond what was necessary to avoid detection and that maybe he had grasped the evil of his previous identity.
In all, though, a majority of the group did not feel he ever really got beyond his initial hateful feelings even though he did come to care for two of the Jews he met in Israel. So even though he became a philanthropist they felt he was just trying to get into God's good graces and not really feeling genuine remorse for aiding and abetting in the Holocaust.
As usual it was a lively discussion with many different viewpoints. Kudos to Sheila for leading such great guided conversations. Next month on April 19th we'll be discussing The Secret Lives of Bees.
I gave him partial redemption because even though his hatred was pretty ugly, I believed that at some point he felt remorse. I felt that his philanthropy went beyond what was necessary to avoid detection and that maybe he had grasped the evil of his previous identity.
In all, though, a majority of the group did not feel he ever really got beyond his initial hateful feelings even though he did come to care for two of the Jews he met in Israel. So even though he became a philanthropist they felt he was just trying to get into God's good graces and not really feeling genuine remorse for aiding and abetting in the Holocaust.
As usual it was a lively discussion with many different viewpoints. Kudos to Sheila for leading such great guided conversations. Next month on April 19th we'll be discussing The Secret Lives of Bees.
BHC March Board Meeting
At our March meeting, the BHC Board began discussing the incorporation process. Our attorney-contact at Wilmer Hale had raised the question of whether we preferred to incorporate in New York or Delaware, and provided us with the pros and cons.
We decided that it made the most sense to incorporate in New York since we intend to be a Brooklyn-based organization.
Next, we formed a task force to work on the tax exemption forms at the next Board meeting. In April we will meet on two consecutive Tuesdays, April 7th and April 14th, in order to work on the forms and the necessary budgets.
BHC has a productive, working board and it's a pleasure to serve on it with Tony, Bruce, Adriana and Michael.
We decided that it made the most sense to incorporate in New York since we intend to be a Brooklyn-based organization.
Next, we formed a task force to work on the tax exemption forms at the next Board meeting. In April we will meet on two consecutive Tuesdays, April 7th and April 14th, in order to work on the forms and the necessary budgets.
BHC has a productive, working board and it's a pleasure to serve on it with Tony, Bruce, Adriana and Michael.
BHC Membership Meeting
On Saturday evening, March 7th, BHC members gathered at Ruth S.'s apartment for a semi-annual general membership meeting. We received an update on the progress of our efforts to incorporate and our search for a permanent venue.
Three of our members completed the volunteer training for the veterans in hospice project with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, and one is already actively visiting hospice patients. One member suggested we do some work on Alzheimer's. We also agreed to begin collecting nonperishables to send to food pantries, which are hurting for donations due to the economic downturn.
Bruce, our Treasurer, reported that 13 members have already paid their annual dues in part or in full. During the meeting several members handed in dues, bringing us up over the threshold we needed to begin the incorporation process. Thanks to all who have contributed, and full speed ahead!
Three of our members completed the volunteer training for the veterans in hospice project with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, and one is already actively visiting hospice patients. One member suggested we do some work on Alzheimer's. We also agreed to begin collecting nonperishables to send to food pantries, which are hurting for donations due to the economic downturn.
Bruce, our Treasurer, reported that 13 members have already paid their annual dues in part or in full. During the meeting several members handed in dues, bringing us up over the threshold we needed to begin the incorporation process. Thanks to all who have contributed, and full speed ahead!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
February Program: Spirituality and Religion
On Sunday we gathered at the Leibowitz apartment for a program on Spirituality and Religion. I gave the talk since a couple of people who expected to speak were unfortunately under the weather. In my talk, I shared about my Jewish upbringing and how I broke away from it, declaring myself an atheist at the age of 12. I outlined my later explorations into various religious traditions and practices, a study of dreams, and so on, before finding a spiritual home at Ethical Culture.
Now that we have moved on from Ethical Culture and are forming our own Brooklyn Humanist Community, soon to be on the road to incorporation as a nonprofit, I don't feel the need for a religious community anymore. I prefer a community of people who are dedicating themselves to living an ethical life, without calling it a religion. My spiritual feelings still come from dreams, music, and from being with a group of like-minded people especially when we get together to accomplish some social action.
Ruth, Antoinette and Selma shared some of their religious history and spiritual views. We had a good talk and I hope that we'll continue this line of discussion at a later time.
Now that we have moved on from Ethical Culture and are forming our own Brooklyn Humanist Community, soon to be on the road to incorporation as a nonprofit, I don't feel the need for a religious community anymore. I prefer a community of people who are dedicating themselves to living an ethical life, without calling it a religion. My spiritual feelings still come from dreams, music, and from being with a group of like-minded people especially when we get together to accomplish some social action.
Ruth, Antoinette and Selma shared some of their religious history and spiritual views. We had a good talk and I hope that we'll continue this line of discussion at a later time.
February Reflection
On Saturday night, February 21st, we met at Antoinette and Michael's for our February Reflection with Dr. Kurt Johnson. After a brief and productive Board meeting, we had our potluck dinner of varied and delicious food. Antoinette has a number of sale items she is showing for a friend, so we were directed to the basement to look them over. Jason took photos of the merchandise, and they were immediately uploaded into a digital photo frame so people could get a look at the merchandise from upstairs.
After dinner we gathered in the living room and began with a few moments of silence. Kurt had us start off with a go-around, and then we were invited to share a photo, object, or anything that inspires us. We went in random order with people speaking whenever they felt moved to do so.
Several people mentioned the 2008 election and President Obama as inspirational because of the hope for change he has brought to us. Others had more personal sources of inspiration. Jason shared the beautiful musical composition he found online at a dark time in his life, which he credits with pulling him out of a depression. Antoinette shared a piece of writing she has used with patients, showing that there is a silver lining to the problems we must contend with. Constance shared two poems about aging but remaining youthful.
Kurt spoke to us about the paradigm change we are all facing. As he pointed out, the phrase, "the pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration of Independence has been interpreted for many years as meaning individual happiness, the right to do what is best for the self and the self alone. Now, in this new economic and environmental climate, the "pursuit of happiness" is going to have to mean more than just individual pleasure, it is going to mean pursuing what is best for the all.
He also told us that there will be, of course, those who resist the paradigm shift. I hadn't ever thought about the upheaval that took place when we moved to electricity rather than gas lighting and heating. The gas industry tried to hold back the advance of electricity claiming no one wanted or needed it. Their motive was to protect their livelihood. By the same token, alternative energy is going to face the same challenges.
Kurt also told us that when electricity came on the scene it was possible to set up mechanisms that would simply draw electricity from the air just as we draw radio and television signals, without the need for wiring. This would have provided us with electricity for a fraction of the cost that our present system costs us. However, the corporations won on that one and use the method of delivering electricity to us that costs the most. I never even realized it was possible to derive electricity another way, but apparently some scientific laboratories secretly use this equipment so that in the event of a blackout their experiments won't be interrupted and destroyed.
Personally I think we need to make that information common knowledge.
In any case, with a paradigm shift in the way we live being forced on us by this crisis situation, knowing and holding onto the things or ideas that give us inspiration will be needed more than ever. We are entering a time of chaos, and Kurt pointed out that the Chinese word for chaos is very similar to the word for opportunity. He also reminded us that the word "emergency" is related to "emergent," so that the possibility of something new and better coming forth out of the crisis is very strong, and is reflected even in our language.
Many thanks to Kurt for leading another enlightening Reflection, and to Antoinette and Michael for hosting a great BHC evening.
After dinner we gathered in the living room and began with a few moments of silence. Kurt had us start off with a go-around, and then we were invited to share a photo, object, or anything that inspires us. We went in random order with people speaking whenever they felt moved to do so.
Several people mentioned the 2008 election and President Obama as inspirational because of the hope for change he has brought to us. Others had more personal sources of inspiration. Jason shared the beautiful musical composition he found online at a dark time in his life, which he credits with pulling him out of a depression. Antoinette shared a piece of writing she has used with patients, showing that there is a silver lining to the problems we must contend with. Constance shared two poems about aging but remaining youthful.
Kurt spoke to us about the paradigm change we are all facing. As he pointed out, the phrase, "the pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration of Independence has been interpreted for many years as meaning individual happiness, the right to do what is best for the self and the self alone. Now, in this new economic and environmental climate, the "pursuit of happiness" is going to have to mean more than just individual pleasure, it is going to mean pursuing what is best for the all.
He also told us that there will be, of course, those who resist the paradigm shift. I hadn't ever thought about the upheaval that took place when we moved to electricity rather than gas lighting and heating. The gas industry tried to hold back the advance of electricity claiming no one wanted or needed it. Their motive was to protect their livelihood. By the same token, alternative energy is going to face the same challenges.
Kurt also told us that when electricity came on the scene it was possible to set up mechanisms that would simply draw electricity from the air just as we draw radio and television signals, without the need for wiring. This would have provided us with electricity for a fraction of the cost that our present system costs us. However, the corporations won on that one and use the method of delivering electricity to us that costs the most. I never even realized it was possible to derive electricity another way, but apparently some scientific laboratories secretly use this equipment so that in the event of a blackout their experiments won't be interrupted and destroyed.
Personally I think we need to make that information common knowledge.
In any case, with a paradigm shift in the way we live being forced on us by this crisis situation, knowing and holding onto the things or ideas that give us inspiration will be needed more than ever. We are entering a time of chaos, and Kurt pointed out that the Chinese word for chaos is very similar to the word for opportunity. He also reminded us that the word "emergency" is related to "emergent," so that the possibility of something new and better coming forth out of the crisis is very strong, and is reflected even in our language.
Many thanks to Kurt for leading another enlightening Reflection, and to Antoinette and Michael for hosting a great BHC evening.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
BHC Book Club: The Glass Castle
On February 15th, the BHC Book Club met to act as social workers in the case of the four Walls children, as described in Jeannette Walls' memoir, The Glass Castle. Most of us agreed that the children should have been removed from a home where they were not properly clothed or fed, and where the parents did not take action to protect their kids. But at least one person felt that the bond between the children was so strong that it shouldn't have been broken up by separating them, and that foster care is no great bargain either.
From there we looked at what kind of family problems should lead to a child's removal from home or other interventions. We agreed on physical abuse and neglect but what is emotional neglect, exactly? That wasn't so clear.
Sheila also asked about weird names. I felt that the authorities were justified in removing a child whose parents named him Adolf Hitler. I just can't see putting a name like that on an innocent child who is going to suffer terribly as a result. The counter argument was that in order to prevent something like that we'd have to have a list of approved names and only allow children to have a name that is on the list. I didn't think of it at the time, but I'm sure these people couldn't have gotten a vanity license plate that said "Adolf Hitler," so why should they be allowed to name a child that way?
I couldn't think of other reasons for removing children from the home, but one point Sheila brought up was that there are people who would want a child removed from an atheist home, because the child's soul would be in danger. Good thing we have the First Amendment, but even so, I suppose that's something we'd have to watch out for.
Sheila provided a delicious and varied spread and we had some extras, such as an apple and bean salad, and delicious egg salad sandwiches. Our next book will be Michael Lavigne's Not Me.
Kudos, Sheila, for another great book discussion!
From there we looked at what kind of family problems should lead to a child's removal from home or other interventions. We agreed on physical abuse and neglect but what is emotional neglect, exactly? That wasn't so clear.
Sheila also asked about weird names. I felt that the authorities were justified in removing a child whose parents named him Adolf Hitler. I just can't see putting a name like that on an innocent child who is going to suffer terribly as a result. The counter argument was that in order to prevent something like that we'd have to have a list of approved names and only allow children to have a name that is on the list. I didn't think of it at the time, but I'm sure these people couldn't have gotten a vanity license plate that said "Adolf Hitler," so why should they be allowed to name a child that way?
I couldn't think of other reasons for removing children from the home, but one point Sheila brought up was that there are people who would want a child removed from an atheist home, because the child's soul would be in danger. Good thing we have the First Amendment, but even so, I suppose that's something we'd have to watch out for.
Sheila provided a delicious and varied spread and we had some extras, such as an apple and bean salad, and delicious egg salad sandwiches. Our next book will be Michael Lavigne's Not Me.
Kudos, Sheila, for another great book discussion!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Feldenkrais Fundraiser a Success!
Jean's Feldenkrais fundraiser was a rousing success. Six of us attended the class on 5th Avenue in Park Slope, a full house for the available space. After a brief introduction to the history and theory of Feldenkrais, Jean led us through gentle exercises that immediately helped us increase our body awareness and increase our range of movement, particularly for those who have suffered neck and shoulder injuries.
We left feeling refreshed and more comfortable in our own skins. Jean is thinking of holding one or two more classes, and I will certainly notify everyone when the next one is planned.
BHC received two-thirds of the proceeds from this event. Thank you, Jean, for thinking of and carrying out this excellent fundraiser!
We left feeling refreshed and more comfortable in our own skins. Jean is thinking of holding one or two more classes, and I will certainly notify everyone when the next one is planned.
BHC received two-thirds of the proceeds from this event. Thank you, Jean, for thinking of and carrying out this excellent fundraiser!
Spontaneous Collection Nets $260
At an unofficial function, attended by many BHC'ers, Antoinette shared that Lois Kellerman, whom many of us know as the past Leader at BSEC, was recently injured in a car accident. We immediately signed a card wishing her a speedy and full recovery, and started a collection on her behalf. Our generous members raised $260 to send to Lois along with our good wishes and healing thoughts.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
BHC Fundraising Event Feb. 14th
Last Saturday night we announced that Jean Shaffer will be running a fundraiser for the Brooklyn Humanist Community. On Saturday, February 14th at 1:30 PM Jean will lead an introductory Feldenkrais class for up to seven people. The class will be held at 374 Fifth Avenue in Brooklyn. As of Saturday night four or maybe five people were interested in attending, so there is still room for one or two more. Please contact Jean if you would like to attend. The class is offered for $15 and Jean is donating the net profit less the cost of renting the room. Thanks, Jean, for this generous offer!
Calendar Change
Last night's Board meeting was postponed due to inclement weather and icy street conditions. The Board meeting will take place on February 10th in place of the Program Committee meeting. The Program Committee will reschedule its meeting as well.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
BHC February Calendar
Hi, everyone, here's the BHC Schedule for February 2009! Mark your calendars!
Tuesday, February 3rd: BHC Board Meeting, 7 PM at the Severo household. Bring light food. Please let Tony know if you plan to attend.
Tuesday, February 10th: BHC Program Committee Meeting, 7 PM at the Severo household. Bring light food. Please let Tony know if you plan to attend.
Sunday, February 15th: BHC Book Club, 1:30 PM at Sheila Rabinowitz's apartment. Please RSVP to Sheila . This month's book is The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.
Saturday, February 21st: Reflection with Dr. Kurt Johnson, 6 PM at Ruth Selby's apartment, topic TBA. Bring potluck, RSVP to Ruth.
Sunday, February 22nd: Monthly Program, "Spirituality versus Religion - come and share your thoughts." Location and time TBA.
Tuesday, February 3rd: BHC Board Meeting, 7 PM at the Severo household. Bring light food. Please let Tony know if you plan to attend.
Tuesday, February 10th: BHC Program Committee Meeting, 7 PM at the Severo household. Bring light food. Please let Tony know if you plan to attend.
Sunday, February 15th: BHC Book Club, 1:30 PM at Sheila Rabinowitz's apartment. Please RSVP to Sheila . This month's book is The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.
Saturday, February 21st: Reflection with Dr. Kurt Johnson, 6 PM at Ruth Selby's apartment, topic TBA. Bring potluck, RSVP to Ruth.
Sunday, February 22nd: Monthly Program, "Spirituality versus Religion - come and share your thoughts." Location and time TBA.
Incorporation around the corner?
It's been a bit of a wait, but it has paid off. In the late fall, I contacted New York City Business Solutions and asked for pro bono help with BHC's incorporation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Now we've received word that a law firm is going to take us on and help us get incorporated. Great news!
Tony and I will participate in a conference phone call with the two attorneys on Monday at noon, and we'll be able to bring back the information to the board meeting Tuesday night. We'll find out what forms and information we need to submit, and get the ball rolling.
The Brooklyn Humanist Community is cookin', and not just at our delicious potlucks!
Tony and I will participate in a conference phone call with the two attorneys on Monday at noon, and we'll be able to bring back the information to the board meeting Tuesday night. We'll find out what forms and information we need to submit, and get the ball rolling.
The Brooklyn Humanist Community is cookin', and not just at our delicious potlucks!
Camp Friendship
On Tuesday night, Bruce, Tony, and I visited Camp Friendship in Park Slope to tour the downstairs rooms. Pending board approval it is likely we will be able to negotiate a cash-free barter arrangement with the Camp. We would then be able to hold our programs in a public venue, in a location that is likely to attract attention from the neighbors. We'll be discussing this on Tuesday at the board meeting, and if we approve the idea we will draw up a proposal for our use of the rooms plus our offer of volunteer time for the benefit of the Camp.
This could be a great win-win situation, so I'm hoping we can go forward with it.
This could be a great win-win situation, so I'm hoping we can go forward with it.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
January Reflection on Confucius
Last night we gathered at Ruth P.'s for the first Reflection of the New Year with Dr. Kurt Johnson. As usual, we had a delicious potluck dinner. There was tuna pasta, Tex-mex kasha, chicken, salmon burgers, salad, bread pudding, and other goodies.
Constance read us a biography of Confucius, who lived about 2500 years ago. We read aloud a number of his sayings and then discussed the ones that attracted us. Several of them were paraphrases of the Christian Golden Rule, and Kurt confirmed that 18 world religions have some version of the Golden Rule.
I felt that the first two quotes were contradictory, because one of them said to emulate the worthy man but search within when one sees an unworthy man. But the other quote said to be kind to everyone but only intimate with the virtuous. It seemed to me that was a contradiction, and besides, who can claim to be completely virtuous? Just like the scene in The Idiot where people play a revolting parlor game of revealing the worst things they have ever done, if we all uncovered our worst actions, would any of us be virtuous and worthy of intimate friendship?
I said I was reminded of our friend, the late Richard Price, who once told me a friend of his was coming up to visit. Then he dropped into the conversation that this person was a pickpocket. When I expressed some shock, he said, "But he's not a bad person. That's just what he does for a living."
It seemed to me that this was on a higher plane than Confucius's warning to only be intimate with the virtuous. As Kurt explained, in Confucius's time, there were no laws in China or Japan governing business transactions. There were no written contacts and business was transacted solely on one's word. Therefore, much of Confucius's wise sayings can be read in that context, of a protocol that should be observed in order to protect one's word and one's business dealings. Instead, his sayings became the basis of a religion, albeit one that is not God-centered.
To introduce some levity and fun, Kurt also brought along several of the "Confucius say" jokes that were popular in the sixties. Every so often we would pause in reading and discussing the actual quotes to interject one of these jokes. That was a great touch and we all got a good laugh out of them. I remember those jokes from the inside of Chinese fortune cookies!
The company was great, the discussion was excellent, and we were up to our usual high standards of potluck cooking. Kudos to Ruth for hosting, to Constance for her research on Confucius, and especially to Kurt for leading us in these monthly Reflections. Thank you!
Constance read us a biography of Confucius, who lived about 2500 years ago. We read aloud a number of his sayings and then discussed the ones that attracted us. Several of them were paraphrases of the Christian Golden Rule, and Kurt confirmed that 18 world religions have some version of the Golden Rule.
I felt that the first two quotes were contradictory, because one of them said to emulate the worthy man but search within when one sees an unworthy man. But the other quote said to be kind to everyone but only intimate with the virtuous. It seemed to me that was a contradiction, and besides, who can claim to be completely virtuous? Just like the scene in The Idiot where people play a revolting parlor game of revealing the worst things they have ever done, if we all uncovered our worst actions, would any of us be virtuous and worthy of intimate friendship?
I said I was reminded of our friend, the late Richard Price, who once told me a friend of his was coming up to visit. Then he dropped into the conversation that this person was a pickpocket. When I expressed some shock, he said, "But he's not a bad person. That's just what he does for a living."
It seemed to me that this was on a higher plane than Confucius's warning to only be intimate with the virtuous. As Kurt explained, in Confucius's time, there were no laws in China or Japan governing business transactions. There were no written contacts and business was transacted solely on one's word. Therefore, much of Confucius's wise sayings can be read in that context, of a protocol that should be observed in order to protect one's word and one's business dealings. Instead, his sayings became the basis of a religion, albeit one that is not God-centered.
To introduce some levity and fun, Kurt also brought along several of the "Confucius say" jokes that were popular in the sixties. Every so often we would pause in reading and discussing the actual quotes to interject one of these jokes. That was a great touch and we all got a good laugh out of them. I remember those jokes from the inside of Chinese fortune cookies!
The company was great, the discussion was excellent, and we were up to our usual high standards of potluck cooking. Kudos to Ruth for hosting, to Constance for her research on Confucius, and especially to Kurt for leading us in these monthly Reflections. Thank you!
Hospice Volunteer Training
On Saturday, Rozanne, Antoinette and I attended the first of two training sessions for hospice volunteers. We're learning about the role of the volunteer as part of an interdisciplinary hospice team that includes the doctor, nurse, social worker, and spiritual counselors as well as home health aides.
We did several exercises, first to break the ice by speaking with our neighbors and then introducing them to the group. Another exercise involved verbal versus nonverbal communication. A nurse spoke to us about her role in the hospice team, and a social worker spoke about what he does. We also heard testimonials from two young women who have already been volunteering with the hospice patients.
It sounds challenging but, I hope, rewarding also. We are joining in with this effort as part of the BHC's commitment to work with veterans, and we expressed a particular interest in the Visiting Nurse's "A Few Good Men" program for veterans in hospice.
At the conclusion of the training we watched the Nightline interves with Ted Koppel and Morrie Schwartz, the subject of Mitch Albom's Tuesdays With Morrie. Morrie was a remarkable man, able to reach out of his terminal illness and tell millions of people his version of the most important things in life. He stressed over and over again that we need to talk about death and not hide from it or prevent the dying person from talking about his or her impending death. He stressed the central importance of love, and of being open. All this, at a time when the dying person is often withdrawing from the world, getting ready to die.
We'd all love to walk into the home of a person in hospice, and find a Morrie to connect with, to learn from, and to be inspired by. That's not likely to happen, but we do hope for some connection. I'd have to say my preconceived notion is that the veteran might ask me to record his memoirs, and I would sit at the bedside and type away on my little Neo, creating a record of his life for his family to cherish. But that might be just as unlikely as walking into another Morrie's bedroom, and I will do what's needed where I am sent.
Next week is the final segment of the training. We received a looseleaf binder with information to read up on, and an application to fill out and hand back to the volunteer coordinator. After that, I'm expecting we will receive assignments. We've been invited to attend a volunteer support group and the monthly interdisciplinary team meetings. And next week at the training, we'll be eating lunch the BHC way: potluck!
Three and possibly four more BHC members could not make it to the January training but are planning to attend it in February instead. So we should have several people involved in this work who can share what we are doing with the rest of the group.
We did several exercises, first to break the ice by speaking with our neighbors and then introducing them to the group. Another exercise involved verbal versus nonverbal communication. A nurse spoke to us about her role in the hospice team, and a social worker spoke about what he does. We also heard testimonials from two young women who have already been volunteering with the hospice patients.
It sounds challenging but, I hope, rewarding also. We are joining in with this effort as part of the BHC's commitment to work with veterans, and we expressed a particular interest in the Visiting Nurse's "A Few Good Men" program for veterans in hospice.
At the conclusion of the training we watched the Nightline interves with Ted Koppel and Morrie Schwartz, the subject of Mitch Albom's Tuesdays With Morrie. Morrie was a remarkable man, able to reach out of his terminal illness and tell millions of people his version of the most important things in life. He stressed over and over again that we need to talk about death and not hide from it or prevent the dying person from talking about his or her impending death. He stressed the central importance of love, and of being open. All this, at a time when the dying person is often withdrawing from the world, getting ready to die.
We'd all love to walk into the home of a person in hospice, and find a Morrie to connect with, to learn from, and to be inspired by. That's not likely to happen, but we do hope for some connection. I'd have to say my preconceived notion is that the veteran might ask me to record his memoirs, and I would sit at the bedside and type away on my little Neo, creating a record of his life for his family to cherish. But that might be just as unlikely as walking into another Morrie's bedroom, and I will do what's needed where I am sent.
Next week is the final segment of the training. We received a looseleaf binder with information to read up on, and an application to fill out and hand back to the volunteer coordinator. After that, I'm expecting we will receive assignments. We've been invited to attend a volunteer support group and the monthly interdisciplinary team meetings. And next week at the training, we'll be eating lunch the BHC way: potluck!
Three and possibly four more BHC members could not make it to the January training but are planning to attend it in February instead. So we should have several people involved in this work who can share what we are doing with the rest of the group.
Friday Night at the Humanist Movies
Earlier this past week, Joseph Ben-David, who was our guest speaker in November, sent an invitation to a Humanist film on "The Life and Heroism of Dietrich Bonhoeffer." The film was originally scheduled for a December showing but was rescheduled due to the severe snow that evening.
Despite the bitter cold, Bruce, Jason and I attended the movie, along with Antoinette and Michael. The meeting took place at the Unitarian church up on 76th Street and Central Park West, in a pre-kindergarten classroom. We moved the tiny chairs out of the way and brought in adult-sized chairs for the viewing. I was charmed by the children's artwork and the picture books displayed around the room.
The film itself was a bit dry but it certainly was a profile in courage, a man who could have kept silent and gone along with the Nazi tide but whose morals and religion did not permit him to stand idly by while tyranny rose to unprecedented heights. He and other ministers tried to take a stand against Nazism and against the persecution of the Jews, but they could not prevail against the mass hysteria that swept Germany.
Eventually Bonhoeffer became a spy, travelling to other countries and passing along information on the Nazis' plans. He joined the plot to assassinate Hitler and was arrested when the bomb killed several officers but Hitler was only slightly wounded. In prison, Bonhoeffer worked on his book, Ethics. Sadly, he was hung in the waning days of the war, when the Nazis already knew their cause was lost.
Following the film, Joe led a discussion. I mentioned that one doesn't have to be religious as Bonhoeffer was to be willing to take risks for one's ideals. I mentioned the story of two Ethical Culture leaders who were imprisoned by the Nazis for performing interfaith marriages between Jews and Christians. I don't remember the name of the American Ethical leader who travelled to Germany to secure their release, but all three of them stood up for their ideals without relying on a concept of God.
Next month Joseph Ben-David will be speaking about Humanism and Depression. I am hoping that we will be able to find and forge ties with his and with other humanist groups around New York City. The opportunities to exchange ideas and visit each other's programs can certainly enrich our experiences as members of the Brooklyn Humanist Community.
We're grateful that afterwards Michael and Antoinette drove us home, so we didn't have to do any more walking in that bone-chilling cold.
Despite the bitter cold, Bruce, Jason and I attended the movie, along with Antoinette and Michael. The meeting took place at the Unitarian church up on 76th Street and Central Park West, in a pre-kindergarten classroom. We moved the tiny chairs out of the way and brought in adult-sized chairs for the viewing. I was charmed by the children's artwork and the picture books displayed around the room.
The film itself was a bit dry but it certainly was a profile in courage, a man who could have kept silent and gone along with the Nazi tide but whose morals and religion did not permit him to stand idly by while tyranny rose to unprecedented heights. He and other ministers tried to take a stand against Nazism and against the persecution of the Jews, but they could not prevail against the mass hysteria that swept Germany.
Eventually Bonhoeffer became a spy, travelling to other countries and passing along information on the Nazis' plans. He joined the plot to assassinate Hitler and was arrested when the bomb killed several officers but Hitler was only slightly wounded. In prison, Bonhoeffer worked on his book, Ethics. Sadly, he was hung in the waning days of the war, when the Nazis already knew their cause was lost.
Following the film, Joe led a discussion. I mentioned that one doesn't have to be religious as Bonhoeffer was to be willing to take risks for one's ideals. I mentioned the story of two Ethical Culture leaders who were imprisoned by the Nazis for performing interfaith marriages between Jews and Christians. I don't remember the name of the American Ethical leader who travelled to Germany to secure their release, but all three of them stood up for their ideals without relying on a concept of God.
Next month Joseph Ben-David will be speaking about Humanism and Depression. I am hoping that we will be able to find and forge ties with his and with other humanist groups around New York City. The opportunities to exchange ideas and visit each other's programs can certainly enrich our experiences as members of the Brooklyn Humanist Community.
We're grateful that afterwards Michael and Antoinette drove us home, so we didn't have to do any more walking in that bone-chilling cold.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Book Club Schedule
Here's the Brooklyn Humanist Community Book Club schedule through June 2009:
Feb. 15, 2009: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
March 15, 2009: Not Me by Michael Lavigne
April 19, 2009: The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd
May 17, 2009: The Shack, by William Yound
June 21, 2009: The Gathering by Anne Enright
Meetings are at 1:30 PM at Sheila's apartment in Sheepshead Bay. Please contact her if you are interested in attending.
Feb. 15, 2009: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
March 15, 2009: Not Me by Michael Lavigne
April 19, 2009: The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd
May 17, 2009: The Shack, by William Yound
June 21, 2009: The Gathering by Anne Enright
Meetings are at 1:30 PM at Sheila's apartment in Sheepshead Bay. Please contact her if you are interested in attending.
A Meditation on Love and Forgiveness
For our first Sunday program of 2009, Remi led us in a New Year's meditation of love and forgiveness. She gave us visual imagery to picture in our minds as we breathed deeply and relaxed our bodies.
Afterwards, we discussed our reactions. It turned out that several of us were experienced with yoga and meditation, and at least three people including Remi have taught meditation.
Remi gave us a short meditation to do when forgiveness comes hard, where we tap a long bone in the hand or forearm, and assure ourselves that we love and respect ourselves despite having difficulty forgiving someone. This will help us towards that forgiveness but also allow us to forgive ourselves.
We had an excellent turnout this afternoon with two newcomers and another person who has come only 3 or 4 times. Even though we are no longer able to meet at the public libraries on Sundays due to budget cuts, our meeting at Tony and Melanie's was a rousing success.
Many thanks to Tony and Melanie for hosting this event, and to Remi for leading us in the best guided imagery meditation I have ever experienced.
Afterwards, we discussed our reactions. It turned out that several of us were experienced with yoga and meditation, and at least three people including Remi have taught meditation.
Remi gave us a short meditation to do when forgiveness comes hard, where we tap a long bone in the hand or forearm, and assure ourselves that we love and respect ourselves despite having difficulty forgiving someone. This will help us towards that forgiveness but also allow us to forgive ourselves.
We had an excellent turnout this afternoon with two newcomers and another person who has come only 3 or 4 times. Even though we are no longer able to meet at the public libraries on Sundays due to budget cuts, our meeting at Tony and Melanie's was a rousing success.
Many thanks to Tony and Melanie for hosting this event, and to Remi for leading us in the best guided imagery meditation I have ever experienced.
Friday, January 9, 2009
New Year's Brunch
Again thanks to Barrett, here are some photos from our Brunch at the Three Star Diner on New Years Day. We reserved for 15 but around 22 people showed up. Antoinette took charge and brought over an extra table so we could all sit comfortably. It was a great way to start 2009, enjoy our friendship and meet some new folks. As the Rogers and Hammerstein song goes,
"This was a real nice clambake,We're mighty glad we came. The vittles we et Were good, you bet, The company was the same!"
A very Happy and Healthy New Year to the Brooklyn Humanist Community members and friends!
More Holiday Party Photos
Barrett furnished us with some more photos from the Holiday party. Here's our gypsy lady, Adriana, reading the Tarot, and the Apples to Apples players having a roaring good time!
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